Michigan basketball considering a redshirt for Caris LeVert

The Michigan Wolverines are stepping into the 2012 season with the No. 5 ranking and high expectations, so it's unlikely that all five freshman can crack the rotation. Caris LeVert might be the in line for a redshirt this year, which is something head coach John Beilein hinted at when speaking with MLive.com:

"We have to consider that strongly," Beilein said. "We can't go back once we put him into a game, but I'd like to see our team a little bit more before making any definite decisions there."

"(I'm going to preserve his redshirt) as long as I can, and really make an educated decision after some time and really give us some quality time to work with him. It can backfire on you, but most times you do that when you really think (someone) can be a special player with more time and more weight."

The Wolverines take on Division-II Slippery Rock on Friday night at 8:30 p.m. and Nik Stauskas is questionable for the contest due to a back injury.

The team posted a 24-10 record last season and split the Big Ten title, and they are listed among the best teams in the Big Ten again this year. If LeVert gets hit with the redshirt designation, it may mean the program is better positioned to compete at a high level for additional years down the line when stars like Trey Burke move on to the NBA. All will be revealed in time, and the regular season starts tonight.